Hard Fork AI Meta's AI Hard Fork
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Jan 20, 2026 Meta is making a bold pivot from its failed Metaverse project, having sunk $73 billion into a vision that didn't take off. They discuss the layoffs, studio closures, and the challenges faced in the VR space. The unexpected success of AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses signals a new direction. There's an exploration of the mistakes made during the Metaverse push, alongside insights into how AI could reshape Meta's future. The conversation is a fascinating look at a tech giant recalibrating its ambitions.
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Personal VR Use Was Fleeting
- Jaeden Schafer recounts buying a Meta VR headset and briefly enjoying it over a holiday break.
- He then stored it in a closet and rarely used it, illustrating VR's novelty value for many users.
VR Studios Shut Down Or Maintained
- Jaeden lists several VR studios affected by layoffs, including those behind Resident Evil 4 VR and Deadpool VR.
- He notes Supernatural will stop producing new content and shift to maintenance mode after Meta's cuts.
The Metaverse Was A Colossal Spend
- Meta spent about $73 billion on Reality Labs, a sum equivalent to spending $1 million daily for 200 years.
- That scale makes Meta's metaverse effort a massive strategic and financial gamble that largely failed to deliver.